Jake Wise Named To Johnny Bench Award Watch List

Arkansas catcher Jake Wise has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Bench Award, it was announced Monday.

Wise, a junior from Houston, Texas, is one of 48 catchers nominated for the award, which is given to the top NCAA Division I collegiate catcher.

One of the team's captains, Wise has played in all 16 games this season for the Razorbacks, starting in 15 of them. He has a .231 batting average with one home run and is tied for second on the team with 10 RBI.

Defensively, Wise is arguably Arkansas' most consistent player, having not committed an error in 623 chances, a span that covers 97 games. He has thrown out four of 12 baserunners attempting to steal, a 25 percent success rate.

The watch list will be pared down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced on May 16. The three finalists will be announced on June 4, and then the winner will be announced on June 27th at the Annual Greater Wichita Sports banquet.

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